CBSSports.com South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier says the team wont protest potential penalties it may get from the NCAA if it finds players violated rules.

Gamecocks tight end Weslye Saunders has spoken with NCAA investigators about his attendance at a party in South Beach this past May. He is also among several players told by Spurrier to end their stays at a local hotel and find other living arrangements.

Spurrier said Wednesday he had no information about what the NCAA might do. But historically, Spurrier said players who are found to have received extra benefits sit out a game or two before they can play again.

“If that happens, well accept it and move on,” Spurrier said. “But it may not happen. We dont know.”

Saunders was suspended by Spurrier on Monday for violating team rules and has not returned to practice. Spurrier said the suspension was not connected to the NCAA probe or Saunders stay at the hotel.

The NCAA has spoken with players at Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee about improper contact with agents.

South Carolina opens the season a week from Thursday against Southern Mississippi at Williams-Brice Stadium after a summer camp filled with off-the-field distractions.

Saunders has been at the center of most of those, yet had seemingly pushed through it to have a solid camp and even drew Spurriers praise for his commitment and physical fitness. Saunders, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound senior, led all Gamecock receivers in last Saturdays scrimmage with four catches for 63 yards.

Saunders is not the only player to miss practice time. Defensive backs Akeem Auguste and C.C. Whitlock missed Tuesdays practice and defensive lineman Ladi Ajiboye was late because of what assistant coach Ellis Johnson said were issues about their hotel stays.

“I cant comment much on it,” Johnson said. “Theyre cooperating with the process that were going through right now.”

All three were back working out on Satu remained unsure if Auguste, the starting free safety, Whitlock, a reserve cornerback, would be available for Southern Miss.

“Thats in the hands of the administration and the NCAA and well play with what weve got,” Ward said.

Saunders likelihood of playing grows less with each practice missed. He was the Gamecocks third-leading receiver last season with 32 catches and is considered a likely early round pick in next springs NFL draft.

If he cant go, the Gamecocks would be left with little used backups Justice Cunningham and Mike Triglia. Fullback Patrick DiMarco had also practiced at tight end, but hes been limited because of a cracked bone in his left forearm.

Posted on August 26th, 2010 by admin
Filed under: College football news, NCAA college football